The Powerful Question To Ask Yourself to Enhance Creativity

I can get very hung up on logical thinking when I am trying to plan out a painting or come up with ideas. Maybe I come up with an idea and the voice of self-doubt chimes in, saying “no, you shouldn’t do that” for one reason or another. I think we all have that critical voice in our heads, but some people are able to ignore it or turn it off entirely. That voice is ultimately trying to keep me safe by preventing me from making a decision that will make me look stupid or fail in some way - bruise my ego, if you will. It means well, but ultimately that little voice is the quickest way to extinguish any sort of creative spark.

Working on turning down the volume of this little voice is a constant work in progress for me. But recently, I stumbled upon a simple yet profoundly effective tool. There is one question I can ask myself that opens up my mind to possibilities and silences that self-doubt. Asking myself this one question has allowed me to think about my art more creatively. So, what is this magical question, you ask? The question I ask myself: "What if?"

Those two simple words have the power to transform the way I approach my art, and I believe they can do the same for you. Now, you might be wondering how something so straightforward can have such a profound impact. Well, let's break it down.

When we ask ourselves "What if?" we're inviting curiosity and imagination to take the wheel. We're temporarily suspending the rigid rules of logic and allowing ourselves to explore uncharted territories in our creative minds. Think about it. How many times have you had a brilliant idea, only to shoot it down because it seemed impractical or unconventional? "What if?" gives you permission to embrace the unconventional and let your creative genius run wild.

"What if?" is an invitation to take creative risks. It's an acknowledgment that not every idea needs to be safe or predictable. Some of the most groundbreaking art in history was born from taking risks and pushing boundaries. By asking "What if?" you're opening the door to experimentation and innovation. You're saying, "I'm willing to take a chance, to step outside my comfort zone, and see where this creative journey leads."

Asking "What if?" aligns perfectly with the concept of a growth mindset. Instead of seeing challenges or potential failures as roadblocks, you view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Each "What if?" question becomes a stepping stone on your creative path, helping you evolve as an artist. You become more resilient, adaptable, and open to the ever-changing landscape of your creative journey.